It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
